How to Choose a Healthcare Facility
Embassy Healthcare offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, long-term care and adult daycare communities. Each facility has unique clinical capabilities, programs and amenities to address a wide variety of medical and personal needs. Selecting the right facility for your senior loved one may seem daunting given the number of options.
Assessing your loved one’s needs can help you narrow your search. Compare those requirements against a facility’s capabilities and schedule tours to see if a location is the right fit. It’s also important to ask questions to ensure you and your loved one are comfortable with what a community has to offer. Consult the staff to discuss financing options during your selection process.
Know When it’s Time to Start Looking
Ideally, you should begin the search for a living community before your senior needs one. That allows you the time and flexibility to find a facility that suits your loved one’s preferences, medical requirements and budget.
Looking into and comparing healthcare facilities helps ensure your loved one will receive the care they need to maintain their quality of life. You’ll also have more time to create a budget and research financial assistance options if necessary.
It may be time to start looking into care facilities if your loved one exhibits the following symptoms:
- Decline in physical or mental health
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Inability to handle activities of daily living (ADL), like dressing, bathing and eating
- Inability to manage medication
- Mobility issues
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Difficulty managing a chronic condition
- Falls, forgetfulness or wandering
Determine the Necessary Level of Care
Senior living facilities offer different degrees of clinical care and personal assistance. Understanding your loved one’s needs will dictate your search and guide your selection. It can also reduce the likelihood of facility transitions in the future, which may be disrupting and stressful for your senior.
Consider the following questions:
- Can your loved one complete ADLs such as bathing and toileting without assistance?
- Do they have a chronic condition, such as heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes?
- Have they recently had surgery or been hospitalized?
- Can they adhere to a medication regimen?
- Do they require supervision to maintain their safety?
- What will their short- and long-term care requirements look like?
Learn About Types of Healthcare Facilities
Skilled Nursing
This type of senior care includes 24/7 skilled medical care and supervision provided by trained doctors, nurses and specialists. It’s intended for those recovering from illness, injury or surgery, as well as older adults living with chronic health conditions. Your loved one may require skilled nursing if they need intensive care or rehabilitation.
Assisted Living
Consider an assisted living facility if your loved one needs help with daily tasks and minimal medical support. The staff is available 24/7 to assist with dressing, bathing, grooming and toileting. Wellness programs and health monitoring services are offered.
Independent Living
Your loved one may enjoy this type of community if they lead an active lifestyle and want to maintain their independence. Independent living does not include many medical or personal services but may offer housekeeping, transportation and recreational activities.
Long-Term Care
This type of care is any type of medical or personal support that lasts longer than three months. Long-term care combines custodial and skilled nursing services for those recovering from an illness or hospitalization. It’s also beneficial if your loved one can no longer live alone due to age or disability.
Adult Daycare
Adult daycare includes part-time services and assistance for seniors to provide respite for caregivers. It includes social activities, recreational programs and light medical care. Adult daycare also offers transportation and meals.
Take a Tour
Visiting a healthcare facility allows you and your loved one to assess the quality of services, resident-patient interactions and overall atmosphere. Explore living accommodations, common areas and the grounds around the facility.
Here are some things to pay attention to during your tour:
- Facility upkeep and cleanliness
- Meal quality
- Staff and resident interactions
- Quality of care
- Activities and events
- Resident body language (i.e., facial expressions or signs of contentment or discomfort)
You may consider staying for a meal or activity to gauge how residents feel about their accommodations.
Review Staff Qualifications and Expertise
Well-trained, experienced healthcare staff can make all the difference in the quality of living in a senior living community. Does the facility employ RNs, LPNs, CNAs and NPs? Are they expected to complete ongoing training and certifications? Reviewing staff tenure and turnover may also reveal the staff’s quality and commitment to their job.
Check facility licensing and accreditations to determine if a facility meets industry standards for patient care. You can also research awards and industry recognition online or inquire about them during your tour.
Consider Location, Accessibility and Visitation Policy
It’s important to visit your loved one if they reside in a senior living community. Seeing family and friends can provide support and entertainment while your loved one gets used to their new living arrangements. Finding a senior healthcare facility near you makes it easier to stop in during visitation hours.
Living close to family and friends can also be a source of comfort for your loved one. Socializing in their new surroundings could take time, so having regular guests can reduce their risk of isolation and loneliness. Visits also present opportunities for your loved one to showcase their new home and friends.